Anger as boy breaks arm

Residents are demanding safety work on a playground after a nine-year-old boy broke his arm when he fell from a climbing frame. Patrick Wieczerza was climbing at the West Park play area off Victoria Street in Ashton’s West End.

Residents are demanding safety work on a playground after a nine-year-old boy broke his arm when he fell from a climbing frame.

Patrick Wieczerza was climbing at the West Park play area off Victoria Street in Ashton’s West End.

Neighbours handed in a petition containing over 100 names at the offices of landlord Ashton Pioneer Homes on Margaret Street in the town.

Susan Howard, of Pioneer Court – who lives opposite the play area – said: "The frame must be well over eight feet from the ground and we’d like to see it lowered. We’d also like to see soft felt under it rather than the bits of plastic which are there now.

"There’s also not enough provision for the under-eights – there must be 70-odd under-eights living around here and they are not allowed on it. This play area is for over-eights only."

Patrick, of nearby Boatman Walk, attends West End Primary School. Mum Anna said: "He was crying a lot and had to have an operation on his arm. He spent a night at Tameside Hospital."

Tape was put around the wooden climbing frame following the May 21 incident.

Tony Berry, chief executive of Ashton Pioneer Homes, confirmed he had received the petition and said he was very sorry to hear about the incident. "We’re very sad it happened. We have asked our contractor, Pendlewood Ltd, to carry out a health and safety assessment to double-check everything. If any changes are required we will carry out full remedial work. The safety of children on our play areas is paramount."

He added that the play area was built with a grant from Tameside Council and provision of play areas and the age ranges they cater for is agreed with the council. "What is suitable for a three-year-old is not going to be suitable for a 13-year-old but we intend to have further discussions with our tenants which will take account of health and safety issues."